The U.S. Childcare Crisis

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) conducted a field survey with more than ten thousand early childhood educators (ECE) across every state in the U.S. in January 2024. The purpose of the study was to show the results of the current childcare crisis due to the lack of federal funding, which expired in September 2023. Costs to parents are rising, with 66% unable to afford services, while childcare providers also have many challenges; 56% of these facilities claim to be under-enrolled, 89% report understaffing, and funding is desperately needed to help employee wages since 77% already receive meager pay. These funding issues have created a devastating system where the parents cannot pay for childcare, and the care providers need aid to keep providing services, leaving both to struggle with no assistance.

Early Childhood Educators and Families Face Rising Challenges as Relief Funds Expire (NAEYC Official Site, 2-24)

Childcare Crisis Grips US as IRS Chief Says Wealthy Tax Dodgers Cost $150 Billion a Year (Common Dreams, 2-25-24)